Discover Hajime Asaoka’s Latest Creation, the Mesmerizing Kurono Vermilion Chronograph

Hajime Asaoka, a well-regarded figure in the watchmaking industry, presents his latest masterpiece – the Vermilion Chronograph, or ‘SHU:朱’. This impressive timepiece personifies the beauty of simplicity and attention to detail, boasting a fully polished 316L stainless steel case and a double-domed sapphire crystal. The watch, with its dimensions of 38 mm x 13.5 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 46.8 mm, embodies a conservative aesthetic that echoes the timeless appeal of classic timepieces.

Exhibiting an artistic flourish through its eye-catching orange-red tones, the dial is a symphony of deliberate design choices. It features classic dual-counter design, sunken black snailed counters trimmed with metal rings. Distinctive spherical indices and bent leaf-shaped hands bring a touch of contemporary subtlety to the piece, while a symmetrically placed date at 6 adds functionality to the design perfection.

Despite its spectacular design, the Vermilion Chronograph uses an outsourced, Seiko caliber NE86 chronograph for its movement. It’s a 4Hz, 34-jewel bi-directional, equipped with a column-wheel and vertical clutch actuated chronograph mechanism, and a 45-hour power reserve. However, it may fall short in terms of precision, with a rated -15/+25 seconds accuracy per day.

Although the Vermilion Chronograph may be more expensive compared to similar models in the market, its resplendent design, coupled with the enduring craftsmanship of Hajime Asaoka, certainly warrants its price tag. Its flawless blend of originality, functionality, and artistry reiterates why details matter in the world of haute horology.